Date of issue: 5th March 2007

CLEMENT KEYS LAUNCHES INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICE

Chartered accountants Clement Keys has launched a new internal audit service aimed at the growing number of public and private sector clients looking to benefit from outsourcing this specialist service.

Lee Glover has been appointed to drive forward the development of this new department and has already secured four key contracts which include one of the biggest local authorities in the Midlands, two friendly societies and a local charity.

"This is an extremely exciting time to be entering this market place," says Mr Glover.

"Choice has been limited for organisations looking to outsource the provision of this service. Clement Keys can offer a fresh and vibrant alternative with the necessary resources, skills and experience to help them achieve their objectives and maximise the added benefit which can be derived from an effective internal audit solution.

Many of the firms operating in this area are content to offer an off the peg service, whereas our aim is to put the client first and develop lasting business relationships going forward."

Lee Glover is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a graduate of Exeter University. He joins Clement Keys having previously worked for Bentley Jennison and Pritchard Wood, where he was instrumental in the development of internal audit and worked closely alongside the partners.

In his early career Lee trained with the corporate audit department of a FTSE100 company and later developed the in-house internal audit methodology of a financial services institution. He has a wealth of experience, having provided bespoke internal audit services to a wide variety of clients including colleges, universities, housing associations, local authorities, NHS trusts and firms regulated by the FSA. Lee has also advised the United Nations World Food Programme on the development of its control risk self assessment processes.

"The importance of internal audit is increasingly recognised not only within the public sector, but also within the private sector with organisations being subject to increased regulation. Yet there are few firms with the desire, commitment, knowledge, and resources to provide a bespoke risk based service which really adds value," he says.

A non-executive director of Bloxwich Housing Trust for the past two and a half years,
Mr Glover also sits on the audit committee of Walsall Housing Group, giving him an invaluable insight into internal audit from the client's perspective and enabling him to ensure the service he provides is focused on what really matters.

"We are keen to develop our client base in this area and ensure internal audit is
recognised as a Clement Keys specialism," says partner Joe Bates, who is responsible for
the HR function.

"I am delighted to welcome Lee who, as our director of Internal Audit, will be responsible for the delivery of our service in this area. Through our robust risk based methodology and approach I am sure that our service will quickly be recognised by clients as one which adds value."

To demonstrate the Firm's commitment Clement Keys is sponsoring UCE Business School's fourth Internal Audit Conference which takes place the 13th and 14th March in Birmingham attracting audit professionals from around the world.

Lee Glover is married and lives in the Midlands. In his spare time he enjoys dining out and is an active participant in motor sports, particularly auto-tests, navigational and road rallies.